Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

• 47. Dr. Vonda Wright: Future-Proof Your Bones—Why Strength Training is Non-Negotiable

  Bone health is often overlooked until a fracture happens—but by then, the damage has already been done. What most people don’t realize is that bones are not just structural; they play a critical role in metabolism, hormone regulation, and long-term vitality. In fact, emerging research shows that osteoporosis and bone loss start much earlier than expected, even in people in their 30s and 40s. So how can you build and maintain strong bones that support your health for a lifetime? In this episode, we uncover the hidden endocrine role of bones, how they influence everything from testosterone to brain function, and why strength training is essential—not just for muscle, but for bone density and metabolic health. We also explore the early warning signs of osteoporosis (including in young adults), the overlooked lifestyle factors that accelerate bone loss, and the latest breakthroughs in hormone therapy for skeletal strength. To guide us through the science, I’m joined by Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, author, and longevity expert specializing in musculoskeletal health. With decades of experience treating elite athletes, weekend warriors, and aging populations, Dr. Wright is redefining how we think about movement, mobility, and skeletal longevity. If you want to future-proof your bones, prevent fractures, and stay strong well into old age, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Doctors Discuss Health, Longevity, and Teaching (09:28) Revolutionizing Healthcare and Education (16:25) The Astonishing Role of Bones (31:06) Functional Movement and Mobility Training (44:05) Optimizing Bone Health Through the Lifespan (58:15) Optimizing Health Through Science and Hormones (01:12:11) Measuring Senescent Cells and Longevity (01:26:30) Anticipation for Upcoming Book Launch   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Vonda Wright Website: https://www.drvondawright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrVondaWright

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• 46. Jeff Krasno: The Loneliness Epidemic - How Social Isolation Is Killing Us Faster Than Smoking

  What if the symptoms you've been chalking up to "normal life"—brain fog, persistent insomnia, chronic fatigue, and the stubborn belly fat—were actually signs of a deeper disconnection from what makes us truly human? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno, author of "Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things," to explore the hidden epidemic of disconnection and its profound impact on our health. We dive into why social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, how community might be the #1 factor in longevity according to Harvard's 85-year study, and practical strategies for rebuilding "social fitness" in an increasingly isolated world. Jeff shares his personal journey from successful wellness entrepreneur to burnout victim—running a yoga festival while suffering from insomnia, pre-diabetes, and deep disconnection. His story reveals how the modern lifestyle can lead anyone into what he calls "wealth and hellness" instead of health and wellness. Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, interviewing a wide variety of health experts and luminaries from Andrew Huberman and Marianne Williamson to Matthew McConaughey and Gabor Maté. Jeff pens a personal weekly essay titled “Commusings” that explores spirituality, wellness and culture and is distributed to over one million subscribers every Sunday. Jeff is the author of Good Stress, a collection of wellness protocols that he developed to reverse his diabetes, lose 60 pounds and reclaim his health at age 50.   We Discuss:   (01:00) - Belonging, Community, and Loneliness (14:34) - Social Connection and Introversion (25:53) - Health Crisis in Modern Society (33:22) - Navigating Burnout and Stress Responses Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Jeff Krasno:  Website: https://www.jeffkrasno.com/  Instagram: @jeffkrasno Thank You To Our Sponsors:    Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah

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• 45. The 10 Biggest Killers in the U.S.—And the Science of Stopping Them

  We often hear about the latest treatments for chronic disease, but what if you could prevent these conditions before they even begin? The truth is, most of the top 10 causes of death are entirely preventable, yet our healthcare system focuses on treating disease rather than stopping it in its tracks. In today’s episode of Extend, I’m breaking down the science of preventative medicine, and how you can take control of your health before disease takes control of you. Most chronic diseases don’t happen overnight; they develop over years of silent damage. But by understanding early warning signs and risk factors, you can intervene before these conditions ever take hold. We’ll explore how cardiovascular disease is the common denominator behind multiple causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. You’ll learn why metabolic dysfunction plays a hidden role in everything from diabetes to Alzheimer’s. Plus, we’ll discuss why early cancer detection is the #1 factor in survival rates, and how improving your immune health can make all the difference. And beyond chronic disease, I’ll dive into something most doctors never talk about… accidental injuries. Falls, car accidents, and drug overdoses are responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year, but small lifestyle adjustments can dramatically reduce your risk. If you’re serious about living longer and better, this episode is a must-listen. Prevention is the key to longevity, let’s dive in! I also discuss: Preventative Medicine The 10 Leading Causes of Death and Why They’re Preventable The Role of Cardiovascular Health in Chronic Disease Early Cancer Detection: The Key to Survival Preventing Accidents & Chronic Diseases   Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

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• 44. Dr. Valter Longo: Fasting Myths Busted: What Science REALLY Says About It!

  Fasting has been praised as a powerful tool for weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity, but is it always beneficial? The truth is, fasting can either optimize your biology or work against you, depending on how, when, and for how long you do it. Research now suggests that skipping breakfast, a common intermittent fasting practice, is linked to higher cardiovascular risk and increased mortality. At the same time, strategic fasting has been shown to trigger cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and even reverse certain disease markers. So, how do you get it right? In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes people make with fasting, the science of fasting-induced repair mechanisms, and the critical role of refeeding in longevity. We also dive into the controversy around high-protein diets, how different macronutrients impact aging, and why a personalized approach to nutrition is essential for long-term health. To guide us through the latest research, I’m joined by Dr. Valter Longo, a globally recognized expert on longevity and nutrition. As a professor at USC and director of the Longevity Institute, his groundbreaking work on fasting and aging has reshaped how we understand diet and disease prevention. His research led to the development of the Fasting-Mimicking Diet, a clinically tested approach designed to harness the benefits of fasting while maintaining proper nourishment. Let’s get into it. We Also Discuss: 01:41 - 03:33 – The Biggest Mistakes People Make with Fasting 07:32 - 08:44 – Personalizing Your Diet for Longevity 18:26 - 20:30 – How Processed Foods & Starches Impact Your Metabolism 25:51 - 26:36 – The Hidden Dangers of Excess Protein 31:54 - 33:47 – The Right Way to Think About Fats 40:22 - 41:49 – How Fasting Triggers Self-Repair Mechanisms 46:39 - 48:32 – Fasting vs. GLP-1 Drugs—What’s Better for Metabolic Health? 47:33 - 01:38 – Can Fasting Reverse Biological Age?   Thank You to Our Sponsors:   TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/ Nexthealth: NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/ Vitaboom: Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Valter Longo   Website: https://valterlongo.com/welcome/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_valterlongo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@profvalterlongo/

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• 43. Tracy Gapin, MD: Why Men Today Have HALF the Testosterone of Their Fathers

  What if the symptoms you’ve been chalking up to aging, low energy, brain fog, stubborn belly fat, and lack of motivation, were actually signs of a deeper hormonal imbalance?  The truth is, testosterone levels in men have been plummeting for decades, and it’s not just about aging. Environmental toxins, chronic stress, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies are creating a perfect storm for hormonal disruption, affecting not only performance but long-term health and longevity. In today’s episode, I sat down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist and expert in men’s health optimization, to break down the science of testosterone, hormone balance, and high-performance living. We dive into why traditional medicine is failing men, how environmental toxins are silently crushing testosterone levels across generations, and the critical role of biomarker testing in personalizing health strategies. Dr. Tracy Gapin is a board-certified urologist with 23 years of clinical experience in men's health, functional medicine, and longevity. As the founder of the Gapin Institute and author of Male 2.0, he specializes in precision health, leveraging genetics, epigenetics, and advanced diagnostics to optimize performance and extend healthspan. We Also Discuss:   00:00 - Introduction to Men's Health and Hormones 02:15 - Significance of Testosterone in Men's Health 05:30 - Limitations of Traditional Healthcare in Addressing Men's Health Issues 08:45 - Understanding Underlying Reasons for Health Concerns 12:00 - Comprehensive Biomarker Testing for Health Optimization 15:20 - Impact of Lifestyle Factors (Nutrition, Stress) on Hormone Levels 18:35 - Effects of Environmental Toxins on Testosterone Levels and Overall Health 22:10 - Distinction Between Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone 25:45 - Relevance of Testosterone for Both Men and Women 29:00 - Various Methods of Testosterone Therapy (Injectable, Topical, Pellets) 32:30 - Management and Necessity of Regular Testing in Hormone Therapy 35:50 - Personalized Approaches to Hormone Therapy Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/   Learn more about Dr. Tracy Gapin:  Website: https://drtracygapin.com/ https://gapininstitute.com/start-here-gapin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracygapin/   Thank You To Our Sponsors:    Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah

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